Charter school bill up for debate

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Senate Education Committee members are expected this week to continue their discussion of a proposal to expand Kansas laws regarding charter schools.

The committee held a hearing on the measure Feb. 14 that seeks to increase the number of charter schools operating outside traditional public school regulations.

The bill would expand the number of entities that could authorize charter schools to include cities, counties and the Kansas Board of Regents. Currently charter schools are authorized by local school districts under the general supervision powers granted to the State Board of Education by the Kansas Constitution.

Committee members have scheduled the charter bill among others that they will consider Monday and Tuesday as legislators approach their first major deadline for addressing issues in their chamber of origin.